EPA recognizes two Colorado companies for distinguished efforts to prevent pollution

EPA recognizes two Colorado companies for distinguished efforts to prevent pollution

This year's awardees from Colorado include Revvity and Breckenridge Grand Vacations.

September 16, 2024

DENVER - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 8 recognized two Colorado companies as winners of the 2024 Regional Pollution Prevention (P2) Recognition Program. This year's winners- Revvity and Breckenridge Grand Vacations - have demonstrated leadership in innovative pollution prevention practices by reducing, eliminating or preventing pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment or disposal.

"EPA's Pollution Prevention Recognition program celebrates businesses that have incorporated pollution prevention measures into their practices," said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. "Today's awardees efforts are a testament to the fact that we can reduce environmental impacts and create efficiencies, all while saving money and strengthening economic growth."

Revvity in Lafayette, Colorado is a provider of RNA oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA (siRNA) and related RNA-interference (RNAi) products and technologies to the life-sciences industry. They are being recognized for process improvements to the filtering and purification of primary materials used in manufacturing. Using the new purification method, Revvity significantly lowered the amount of hazardous chemicals needed for filtering, including a 43.5% reduction in halogenated waste, 69.8% reduction in solvent waste, and a 100% reduction in solid hazardous waste. This project resulted in a reduction of 12,990 lbs of hazardous materials and cost savings of approximately $125,000 in 2022.

"It is great to see the collaborative efforts at our Lafayette, Colorado facility resulting in this significant recognition from the EPA," said Stephanie Stroh, Revvity Director of Sustainability. "At Revvity, we have a keen focus on not only our innovative advancement of science and diagnosis of disease, but also our operational sustainability. This award from the EPA is a testament to our team's impact in the vision of merging the two."

Breckenridge Grand Vacations (BGV) in Breckenridge, Colorado is a real estate development and property management company that manages three ski resorts in the area. They are being recognized for modifications made to their snow melt systems at their Grand Timber Lodge and The Grand Colorado on Peak 8 properties. BGV leverages artificial intelligence (AI) weather forecasting to enhance the system's adaptability, allowing them to proactively adjust settings based on impending weather conditions. This project resulted in a reduction of 752 Metric Tons of CO2 per year, conserving 2003 MMBtus of natural gas per month and approximately $46,203 in cost savings.

"We are thrilled to receive the 2024 EPA Region 8 Pollution Prevention (P2) Recognition Award for our work in reducing GHGs at The Grand Colorado on Peak 8 and The Grand Timber Lodge," said Emily Kimmel, Sustainability Manager at BGV. "Through creative partnerships and a focus on simple but effective solutions, we've been able to prevent pollution while also saving on energy costs. The EPA's recognition of our efforts serves as a catalyst to further our commitment to sustainability and helps us drive toward our target of reducing GHGs by 50% by 2030."

"BGV remains committed to exploring new technologies and strategies to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of our resorts," said Jeff Edwards, Energy Programs Coordinator. "We will continue to lead the way in resort operations, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of environmental stewardship."

In addition to Revvity and Breckenridge Grand Vacations, another P2 Recognition Award winner is Bridger Bowl Ski Area. in Bozeman, Montana. They are recognized for the reduction of electricity use through LED and motion-activated lighting, installing an on-site 50 kW solar array and implementing a transit and carpooling incentivize program that is free for guests and employees. Additionally, they eliminated exposure of a petroleum-based ski wax, which contained Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), by replacing it with WEND wax, which is a plant-based alternative.

Background

P2, as defined in the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, is any practice that reduces environmental releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants prior to recycling, treatment or disposal. P2 conserves natural resources, including water and energy, by focusing industry, government and public attention on reducing pollution through cost-effective changes in production, operation and the use of raw materials.

EPA's P2 recognition program is voluntary and non-monetary and encourages stakeholders to seek innovative ways to prevent pollution from entering waste streams. 

In 2023, EPA R8 recognized Breckenridge Grant Vacations which showed a commitment to pollution prevention by reducing, eliminating, or preventing pollution at its source.

For more information about the recognition program or to learn more about other regional winners visit: https://www.epa.gov/p2/epa-regional-pollution-prevention-recognition-program

For more information on P2 and the P2 Grant Program: https://www.epa.gov/p2